Former All Black Pita Gus Sowakula headlines Fiji’s squad for November

Former All Blacks backrower Pita Gus Sowakula is one of three potential debutants selected in Fiji’s squad for their 2025 Northern Tour, which starts with a highly anticipated clash against England on November 8.

Coach Mick Byrne has included Clermont-based Sowakula in the 33-player squad, along with front-rowers Atu Sokobale and Tim Hoyt, who could potentially represent the Flying Fijians for the first time in the coming weeks.

Sowakula has already represented Fiji on the international sporting stage, competing in basketball at the 2012 FIBA Oceania Under-19 Championships and later at senior level before focusing on rugby.

After a series of impressive campaigns for Taranaki in New Zealand’s NPC and for the Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific, Sowakula was called into the All Blacks for their three-Test series against Ireland in 2022, featuring in two matches.

Sowakula started at No. 8 for the All Blacks XV against Japan on July 15, 2023, but is now set to wear a new team’s colours in the Test arena. Coach Byrne has named five loose forwards in the squad, including Rugby Sevens World Cup winner Elia Canakaivata.

Former All Blacks Sevens flyer Salesi Rayasi is the sole fullback selected, having impressed in Fiji’s clash with Australia ahead of the Lions Series, and later during the team’s run to the Pacific Nations Cup title.

Haereiti Hetet, Mesake Doge, Eroni Mawi, Samuela Tawake, Sokobale and Hoyt are the props selected in the squad. Three hookers have been chosen, including highly experienced rake Tevita Ikanivere.

Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua and Setariki Turagcoke are the four lock options. The other forwards chosen are Lekima Tagitagivalu, Motikai Murray, Viliame Mata, Canakaivata and Sowakula in the loose forwards.

Simione Kuruvoli joins rising star Philip Baselala and Sam Wye in the halfbacks group, while Caleb Muntz and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula will continue to challenge for the No. 10 jersey, as they have done in recent seasons for both club and country.

Powerful inside centre Josua Tuisova and Vilimoni Botitu are the options at No. 12, while there are three challengers for the starting spot at outside centre. Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selestino Ravutaumada and Olympic silver medallist Ponipate Loganimasi are the wingers.

Fiji will take on England at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium on November 8, before Tests against France in Marseille on November 15, and Spain in Malaga on November 22.

Flying Fijians extended squad for 2025 Northern Tour

Props
Haereiti Hetet
Mesake Doge
Eroni Mawi
Samuela Tawake
Atu Sokobale
Tim Hoyt

Hookers
Tevita Ikanivere
Zuriel Togiatama
Kavaia Tagivetaua

Locks
Isoa Nasilasila
Mesake Vocevoce
Temo Mayanavanua
Setariki Tuicogacog

Loose forwards

Lekima Tagitagivalu
Elia Canakaivata
Motikai Murray
Vilimoni Mata
Pita-Gus Sowakula

Halfbacks
Simione Kuruvoli
Philip Baselala
Sam Wye

First five

Caleb Muntz
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula

Second five

Josua Tuisova
Vilimoni Botitu

Centre
Sireli Maqala
Kalaveti Ravouvou
Iosefo Masi

Wing
Jiuta Wainiqolo
Selestino Ravutaumada
Penikolo Laganimaasi

Fullback
Salesi Rayasi